Should I get a Memory Foam or Gel Mattress?

There are so many different mattress options out there, so how do you choose the bed that’s best for you? The best mattress type for you depends on your personal preference, your body type and the way you sleep. Each type has pros and cons, so you should take some time to learn about the different mattress types and their benefits before you decide.

Which is best, Memory foam or gel?

Besides choosing based on your personal preference, both memory foam and gel mattresses provide different things. For example, a memory foam mattress provides full body support and little to no motion transfer, whereas a gel mattress might sleep a little cooler than a foam mattress. Below, we’re talking about the pros and cons of each type of mattress.

What is a memory foam mattress?

A memory foam bed is exactly that—it’s made of memory foam or has layers made up of memory foam. Did you know that memory foam was originally invented by NASA for space travel?! They were concerned about comfort for their astronauts, who were traveling under intense amounts of pressure at high speeds. When memory foam started being used in mattresses, comfort was also top of mind.

Memory foam mattresses are great for relieving major pressure points while you sleep, specifically in your shoulders and hips. A memory foam mattress, like the Leesa mattress, responds to your body type and sleeping position, contouring your body while you sleep. It will keep your spine straight while you sleep, which can help relieve back, hip and shoulder pain. Memory foam also has very little motion transfer, meaning when you’re in bed, you won’t feel your partner, kids, or pets getting in and out of bed next to you.

Most of the complaints about memory foam mattresses are that they’re too warm. Because of how many memory foam mattresses are made, heat gets trapped between the layers, holding in your body heat while you sleep. With technology to combat this issue, both the Leesa mattress and the Sapira mattress are different types of memory foam mattresses. Our mattresses are made with a cooling layer of top foam that promotes airflow while you sleep. So, you get the pressure-relief and body contouring benefits of a memory foam mattress without the sweat. Plus, our mattresses have little to no motion transfer, so you don’t feel your partner, little one or furry friend getting in and out of bed.

What is a gel mattress?

A gel mattress is a mixture of gel and foam in a mattress. The gel used in a gel mattress is the same material used in cow pads—yep, the gel mats that cows sometimes stand on. However, since cows are significantly heavier than humans and humans don’t need quite as much push back as cows do, the gel is modified for mattresses: in a gel mattress, foam is infused with gel. The combination of memory foam and gel creates a balance that provides comfort and support. For this reason, the gel material is popular in mattress toppers and mattress pads, too.

Many consumers choose a gel mattress for its spring, a.k.a. how quickly the mattress returns to its original shape after you get up. Gel mattresses may also offer a cooler sleeping option, although some complaints include that the cooling effect wears off over time. Not to mention, compared to a traditional memory foam mattress, a gel mattress often has a much higher price tag.

What type of mattress is best for me?

There are so many types of memory foam beds, hybrid beds and traditional ones. Do you want a mattress with springs? When you’re choosing a mattress, there are so many choices, so it’s important you do your research, so you get the mattress for your lifestyle. When you’re looking for a new mattress, consider size, comfort and support. When you’re mattress shopping, start here. Leesa is here to help weigh the pros and cons of your options so you can make the right decision.

A memory foam mattress will give your body the support it needs while you sleep, without the creaks, squeaks and sagging a traditional spring mattress can have. While you sleep, a memory foam mattress reduces stress on your pressure points, including your shoulder and hip, cradling your body so that you get the rest you need.